India and Bhutan Collaborate on Development Projects in Thimphu
Monthly Coordination Meeting Highlights
Photo: @Indiainbhutan/X
Thimphu, April 7: In Thimphu, India and Bhutan convened for their 17th Monthly Coordination Meeting, focusing on the advancement and future steps for various projects supported by the Indian government in Bhutan.
The meeting, held on Monday, was co-chaired by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Thimphu and the Director General of the Department of Macro-Fiscal and Development Finance (DMDF) from Bhutan's Ministry of Finance.
During this session, Indian Deputy Chief of Mission Aniket Govind Mandavgane presented cheques totaling Rs 42.3 crore (Bhutanese Nu 423 million) to the Bhutanese Ministry of Finance for the execution of initiatives under Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan.
As per the Indian Embassy's announcement, Rs 16.86 crore (Nu. 168.6 million) was allocated to enhance infrastructure for the Zhung Dratshang, the Central Monastic Body in Bhutan.
This funding aims to foster suitable living, educational, and spiritual conditions, while also preserving cultural practices and ensuring the safety and well-being of monks and nuns.
Additionally, Rs 15.01 crore (Nu. 150.1 million) was designated for the construction of the modern Khuru-Kuenphen bridge on Bajo-Khuru SNH, which was inaugurated on March 27.
To further enhance road transport, Rs 5.44 crore (Nu. 54.4 million) was allocated for upgrading 17 km of road to meet Primary National Highway standards, aligning with the Northern East West Highway (NEWH).
The Indian mission indicated that this project is anticipated to "facilitate smooth and fast movement of all types of vehicular traffic and reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs, as well as risks for commuters."
Moreover, Rs 4.99 crore (Nu 49.9 million) was earmarked for the enhancement and development of the Royal Institute of Management (RIM) campus, which includes hostel renovations, procurement of library resources, computers, and lab accessories, along with establishing connections with Indian institutions.
Both parties also reviewed the progress and addressed challenges related to the implementation of Government of India-supported projects under the 13th Five-Year Plan.
This encompassed 'Human Resource Development and Skilling Programmes' initiated by the Bhutanese Ministry of Education and Skills Development, aimed at boosting productivity and performance in various priority sectors through re-skilling and up-skilling initiatives.
The meeting also covered the status of activities under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), as noted by the Indian Embassy.
India has pledged a total of Rs 10,000 crore for the plan period, with ongoing disbursements aimed at infrastructure development, including educational institutions, irrigation projects, mega farms, and governance initiatives to reinforce the enduring bilateral development partnership.